The issue of health disparities between the LGBTQ+ community and cisgender heterosexual individuals has been a topic of discussion for decades. This is due to the fact that there are various social determinants which contribute to these differences, including access to quality health care services.
It is important to note that health disparities are more than just a matter of accessibility – they also have underlying causes that must be addressed. One such cause is structural violence, which refers to the ways in which societal institutions, policies, and practices perpetuate inequality and discrimination against marginalized groups. In this case, it can refer to how healthcare systems may exclude or disadvantage LGBTQ+ communities through systemic policies, attitudes, and beliefs. By looking at structural violence, we can better understand how healthcare inequities affect the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and what needs to be done to address them.
Structural violence is defined as "the way in which institutional structures and cultural representations create, maintain, and exacerbate inequalities in society." It occurs when individuals or groups are denied their rights, opportunities, and well-being by the political, economic, and social structures that surround them. This includes things like racism, sexism, ableism, classism, ageism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression.
If an individual identifies as LGBTQ+ but cannot access adequate medical care because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, then this could be considered structural violence. Similarly, if a hospital refuses to treat someone based on their gender expression or insurance policy, this would also fall under the umbrella of structural violence.
When it comes to healthcare, structural violence can manifest itself in various ways. Firstly, there is often a lack of understanding among healthcare providers about the unique needs of LGBTQ+ patients. This can lead to misdiagnoses, incorrect treatment plans, and even harmful procedures being performed. Secondly, there are often barriers to accessing care for marginalized populations. This can include financial barriers such as high costs or limited coverage for services related to gender affirmation surgeries or HIV/AIDS treatments. Thirdly, there may be cultural beliefs and attitudes within certain communities that stigmatize LGBTQ+ people, making them feel unwelcome or unsafe seeking healthcare.
There is a lack of representation in health research and clinical trials that leads to inadequate knowledge and understanding about LGBTQ+ health issues. All these factors contribute to health disparities between cisgender heterosexual individuals and those who identify outside of this binary.
It is crucial to recognize how healthcare systems perpetuate inequality against LGBTQ+ people through systemic policies and practices. By doing so, we can start addressing the underlying causes of healthcare inequities rather than just treating symptoms. One way to do this is by educating healthcare professionals about the specific needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and providing training on how to provide culturally competent care. Another approach would be to advocate for more inclusive insurance policies that cover services like hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery, and mental health counseling.
Increased funding for research into LGBTQ+ health issues could help us better understand their unique health concerns and develop targeted interventions.
Healthcare inequalities perpetuated by structural violence have serious implications for the physical and mental wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals. To truly address these disparities, it is necessary to look beyond accessibility and acknowledge the underlying social determinants at play. This includes recognizing how institutions, policies, and beliefs create barriers to adequate medical care. Only then can we begin to reduce healthcare inequities among marginalized communities and create a society where everyone has equal access to quality healthcare.
How do healthcare inequities perpetuate structural violence against LGBTQ+ communities?
Healthcare inequalities are persistent and pervasive problems for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. Apart from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, other factors such as race/ethnicity, income, age, geographical location, etc. , also influence access to quality care.